Ford Explorer - Range, charging & running costs

Clever exterior design means that while the boxy-looking Explorer doesn’t seem aerodynamic, it’s actually reasonably efficient when compared with rivals.

During our time with an Explorer in Premium trim, we saw the trip computer return an average efficiency of 3.7 miles per kWh, even with some fast motorway use. This translates into a range of 277 miles for the 77kWh model, which will likely be enough for most driving needs.

Electric range, battery life and charge time

Ford quotes a maximum combined range of 374 miles for the 77kWh Explorer in base Select trim. Choosing Premium spec knocks 20 miles off that figure, while the 79kWh model with more power and four-wheel drive has a range of 329 miles. The 52kWh Select model has a maximum range of 176 miles, or 169 miles in Premium guise.

One gripe we have is that a heat pump is a pricey upgrade on all models. Considering that some rivals cost less and have one fitted as standard, we’d expect Ford to add it to the standard kit list. It’s a much-needed add-on to help maintain battery range in colder winter months, but costs around £1,000 to include it.

If you’re going to be using DC charging, the company offers different maximum rates depending on which battery is fitted. The 52kWh battery can charge at up to 145kW, while the 77kWh battery has a lower rate of 135kW. Neither maximum is particularly outstanding these days, and means charging from 10-80 per cent capacity takes 25 minutes and 28 minutes, respectively. The 79kWh pack has an even higher maximum top-up rate, at 185kW, although a 10-80 per cent charge only takes two minutes less than for the 77kWh battery, at 26 minutes.

Tax

With all EVs sitting in the lowest company-car tax bracket, the Benefit-in-Kind costs all boil down to list price. Since the Explorer is pricier than some rivals, it’ll cost business users more money each year, but we’re only talking a few pounds rather than the hundreds you’d have to shell out for a combustion-engined car.

Insurance groups

Ratings go from Group 19 for Select trim with the smallest battery, all the way to Group 32 for the Premium in 335bhp guise. These categories are in line with most electric SUV rivals, although compared with the combustion-engined Ford Kuga SUV, they are higher overall.

Depreciation

Depending on specification, the Explorer is expected to hold on to 50 to 54 per cent of its original value after three years and 36,000 miles. In comparison, the new Capri has predicted values that are a percentage point higher than that, but both are well ahead of the Mustang Mach-E, which is in the 40 per cent range.